Stephanie McGeary / Wednesday, April 17 @ 11:59 a.m. / Agendizer
Arcata City Council to Consider Funding Improvements to Corner of H Street and Samoa Boulevard to Discourage ‘Nuisance Behavior’
This corner has been become a popular dumping and hangout spot | Photo: Stephanie McGeary
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Several years ago Caltrans made some improvements to Samoa Boulevard (Highway 255) in Arcata, including to the corner of H Street and Samoa, where the department extended the curb, constructed a retaining wall and added a utility box. As nice as these improvements may be, it turns out that some may be contributing to the corner becoming, well, kind of a dump.
According to Arcata city staff, the location has since become a popular spot for people to dump their unwanted junk, and the area attracts a lot of “nuisance behaviors.”
During tonight’s meeting, the Arcata City Council will consider funding the construction of a fence along the retaining wall on the corner – which it hopes will deter some of this bad behavior – using the remaining community support funds it had budgeted for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
According to the staff report, the City has $62,000 remaining in its Community Support Payments budget that needs to be allocated before the end of the fiscal year on June 30, and the council will consider any projects, programs or events it would like to fund with that leftover money. However, if the council wishes to, it could decide to roll the money over to the 2024-25 budget. If the council chooses to spend the money, staff is suggesting the council consider funding the proposed improvements to H and Samoa.
The idea came about when the owner of the property bordering the corner reached out to the City to say they wanted to rebuild their fence to eliminate the retaining wall on the corner. The owner has already received quotes from local fence companies (though the staff report doesn’t say for how much) and the council will consider covering some of the cost.
In addition to the fence, the city has also received a proposal to paint a mural on the utility box on the corner to help the area look less ugly. This project would be funded separately and likely will be completed this fall through the Art Around Arcata program.
But wait a minute. Since Samoa is State Route 255, which is a state highway, and since Caltrans constructed that pesky retaining wall and unsightly utility box, shouldn’t Caltrans be responsible for cleaning up that corner? Well, it is, and according to the staff report, Caltrans does clean up the corner when it receives maintenance requests from the City. However, Caltrans will only clean up the area “if no person is present.” And when it comes to making changes to the corner to deter the people from hanging out there, Caltrans says it can’t do that.
“Caltrans staff have noted that improvements in the right-of-way to reduce pedestrian space and discourage nuisance behaviors will not be feasible,” the staff report states.
If the council does choose to support the project, the property owner will need to obtain a Minor Use Permit for the fence and a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) will also be required, since the location is within the state permitting jurisdiction. According to the staff report, city staff have begun coordination with the Coastal Commission and anticipate a CDP waiver may be granted.
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The Arcata City Council will discuss this and other important topics – including receiving a report on the City’s Residential Rental Inspection Program and holding a public hearing for the City’s proposed service fee increases for the upcoming fiscal year – tonight (Wednesday, Apr. 17) at 6 p.m.
You can find directions on how to view and participate in the meeting at this link and scroll down for the full agenda and associated documents below!
Arcata City Council
April 17, 2024, 6 p.m.
1. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
2. FLAG SALUTE
3. ROLL CALL
A. Roll Call
4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
A. Certificate of Appreciation for Judith Mayer for Her 17 Years of Service on the Arcata Planning Commission.
B. Proclamation in Recognition of World Tai Chi Day, April 27, 2024.
C. Proclamation in Recognition of Bike Month, May 2024.
D. Proclamation Recognizing May 2024 as National Historic Preservation Month.
5. REPORT BY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE
6. EARLY ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
7. N/A
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. 4402 : Bi-Weekly Report on Disbursements.
The Finance Director is recommending that the City Council approve the list of expenses for the period of March 23, 2024, through April 5, 2024. This list includes checks and electronic payments that have already been paid and are within the approved budget. These expenses do not need to be audited by the City Council before payment, but are being presented for approval at the Council meeting.
— LoCOBot
Detective Angela Sharp sat in the back of the City Council meeting, her keen eyes scanning over the documents presented by the Finance Director, Tabatha Miller. As the meeting came to a close, Angela couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about the disbursements listing.
She approached Tabatha Miller after the meeting and requested a copy of the Cash Disbursements Report for the period March 23, 2024, through April 5, 2024. As she poured over the report in her office, Angela’s suspicions grew. There were multiple payments made to a company called “Ace Construction” that seemed unusually high for the work being done in the city.
Angela decided to pay a visit to Ace Construction to see if she could uncover any information. As she walked through the bustling construction site, she noticed a group of workers gathered around a table, counting stacks of cash. She approached them, badge in hand, and asked to speak to the owner of the company.
The owner, a burly man named Jack Thompson, greeted Angela with a wary look in his eyes. Angela cut straight to the chase, asking about the payments from the city and the suspicious activity she had witnessed. Jack’s demeanor grew defensive as he stammered out excuses for the large sums of money coming in.
Angela knew she was onto something big. She delved deeper into the financial records of Ace Construction and discovered a trail of fraudulent invoices and kickbacks to city officials. It was a web of corruption that reached higher than she could have ever imagined.
With the help of her partner, Detective James Reed, Angela worked tirelessly to gather evidence and build a case against the corrupt city officials and the shady construction company. In a dramatic showdown at City Hall, Angela presented her findings to the Mayor and City Council, exposing the corruption that had plagued the city for years.
Thanks to Angela’s dedication and perseverance, justice was served and the city was finally rid of the criminals who had been lining their pockets with taxpayer money. As she walked out of City Hall that day, Angela knew that her work was far from over. There were always more mysteries to solve and more villains to bring to justice. And she wouldn’t rest until every last one of them was behind bars.
— LoCOBot
B. 4405 : Award Contract in the Amount of $77,114 to PACE Engineering for the Design and Project Management Services for the Alliance Intertie Electrical System Replacement Project; Authorize the City Manager to Increase the Contract Amount by up to $3,855.70, (5 Percent, for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $80,969.70); and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Applicable Documents.
The city council is meeting to award a contract to PACE Engineering for an electrical system replacement project. The current system at the Alliance Transfer Station Intertie is aging and needs to be upgraded to ensure drinking water delivery to residents. The project will involve designing an upgraded electrical system with a photovoltaic system and site battery backup. PACE Engineering was selected as the lowest bidder and will assist with the design and selection of a contractor to perform the construction. The project is expected to be categorically exempt from environmental review. The budget for this project is available in the current fiscal year’s water fund.
— LoCOBot
… or, as an episode of Seinfeld!
TITLE: “The Electrical Upgrade”
[Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer are at Monk’s Cafe discussing the latest city council meeting.]
Jerry: Did you guys hear about the electrical upgrade project happening at Alliance Transfer Station?
Elaine: Oh, yeah, I think I saw something about that on the news. They’re replacing the entire electrical system, right?
George: Who cares about some boring city council meeting? It’s probably just a bunch of bureaucrats arguing about numbers.
Kramer: You never know, George. This could be a big deal. What if the power goes out and we can’t get water?
Jerry: Well, it’s not just about us. It’s about the whole city. They need to make sure the water supply is safe and reliable.
[Cut to Jerry’s apartment. Jerry is on the phone with Elaine.]
Jerry: You know, this whole electrical upgrade thing reminds me of that time I had to deal with a contractor at my apartment.
Elaine: Oh, I remember that. Didn’t they mess up your kitchen renovation?
Jerry: Yeah, they installed the wrong cabinets and I had to fight to get it fixed. It was a nightmare.
[Cut to George’s office. George is talking to his coworker.]
George: Yeah, so I heard about this electrical upgrade project happening in the city. It’s a big deal.
Coworker: Really? I didn’t know about that. Maybe we should look into it. It could affect our office building.
George: Exactly! We need to make sure everything is up to code and safe for all the employees.
[Cut to Kramer’s apartment. Kramer is looking at the PACE Engineering proposal.]
Kramer: Hmm, this is interesting. They’re going to design a new electrical system with a photovoltaic system and site battery backup. I wonder how that’s going to work.
[Cut to Jerry’s apartment. Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer are all sitting on the couch watching the news.]
News Anchor: The city council has awarded a contract to PACE Engineering for the design and project management services for the Alliance Intertie Electrical System Replacement Project.
Jerry: Looks like they’re moving forward with the upgrade. Hopefully, it all goes smoothly.
Elaine: Yeah, let’s just hope they don’t mess it up like Jerry’s kitchen renovation.
George: I’m sure they have it all under control. We just have to trust that they know what they’re doing.
Kramer: I can’t wait to see how this all turns out. It’s going to be electrifying!
[They all laugh as the camera pans out to show the city skyline, highlighting the importance of the electrical upgrade project.]
— LoCOBot
9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
10. OLD BUSINESS
A. 4399 : Receive an Update on the Current Status of Registrations and Inspections for the City's Residential Rental Inspection Program (RRIP).
The City Council received an update on the Residential Rental Inspection Program (RRIP) to ensure rental properties meet health and safety standards. The program aims to improve housing quality and neighborhood safety by inspecting rental properties for violations. Property owners were given deadlines to register for the program, and those who did not comply will receive violations. The program is exempt from environmental review as it does not pose a significant impact on the environment.
— LoCOBot
We got a funky situation in the city today
Gotta keep our rental properties up to par, no delay
Residential Rental Inspection Program, it’s the way to go
Making sure our neighborhoods stay safe and grow
Aging housing stock, illegal dwellings, gotta address
Gotta keep our neighborhoods clean, no mess
Council worked hard, with the Working Group in place
To draft the Ordinance, get it right, set the pace
Letters sent out, info shared, deadlines to meet
Property owners stepping up, keeping their beat
1,367 parcels registered, inspections underway
Making sure our rental properties are here to stay
94 inspections done, code enforcement in play
Keeping our properties safe, every single day
Owner-occupied, tenant defined, gotta know the deal
Legal relationship key, making sure it’s real
Next step, Notice of Violation on its way
For those who haven’t registered, no delay
Admin Citations coming in July, gonna take a stand
Making sure our rental properties in Arcata are grand
Funkadelic inspections, keeping it real
City Council making sure our properties appeal
Residential Rental Inspection Program, doing it right
Keeping our neighborhoods safe, day and night.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. 4400 : Public Hearing on Proposed Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25.
The Finance Director is recommending that the City Council open a public hearing to receive comments on proposed fee changes for the upcoming fiscal year. The changes are intended to cover the costs of providing various city services. The proposed fees include adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index and increases to water and wastewater rates. The adoption of these fee changes is necessary to ensure that the city departments can operate effectively.
— LoCOBot
En una reunión del Concejo,
se presentó la información,
sobre el presupuesto y la tarifa,
para el próximo año en la nación.
Tabatha Miller, Directora Financiera,
fue la encargada de preparar,
la propuesta de la nueva tarifa,
que el Concejo debía revisar.
Se recomienda abrir la audiencia pública,
para escuchar la opinión del pueblo,
sobre los cambios propuestos,
en el presupuesto que se anhela.
Se sugiere también adoptar la Resolución,
para actualizar la tarifa en vigencia,
que refleje los servicios que se brindan,
con eficacia y transparencia.
El código gubernamental de California,
exige presentar los cambios en tarifas,
ante el Concejo en una audiencia,
para cumplir con todas las normativas.
Los servicios de la ciudad deben reflejar,
los costos asociados a su prestación,
de manera justa y equitativa,
para el beneficio de la población.
Se propone ajustar las tarifas,
según el índice de precios al consumo,
para reflejar la inflación anual,
y mantener un equilibrio justo.
El agua y el tratamiento de aguas residuales,
verán un aumento moderado,
para financiar mejoras necesarias,
y cumplir con los estándares establecidos.
El fondo general también se beneficiará,
con un modesto aumento en los ingresos,
provenientes de permisos de construcción,
cursos de recreación y alquiler de instalaciones.
En resumen, se espera un impacto económico positivo,
para mantener la ciudad en funcionamiento,
con tarifas justas y transparentes,
que reflejen el costo real de los servicios que se ofrecen.
La adopción de esta resolución,
está exenta de revisión ambiental,
porque cumple con las normativas establecidas,
para garantizar una gestión financiera sostenible.
En conclusión, el Concejo adopta la Resolución,
y actualiza la tarifa para el próximo año fiscal,
para mantener la ciudad en funcionamiento,
y brindar servicios de calidad a la población local.
— LoCOBot
B. 4401 : Potential Allocation of Remaining City Council Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Community Support Funds.
The city council has $62,000 left in the budget for community support funds for the fiscal year 2023-24. They need to decide how to allocate this money before June 30, 2024. The funds were meant for projects, programs, or events that were not originally included in the budget. If the funds are not used by the end of the fiscal year, they will remain available for future budgets. The council can choose to allocate the funds, carry them forward to the next fiscal year, or let them lapse and return to the unappropriated fund balance.
— LoCOBot
ADDRESS TAE HONORABLE MAYOR AN’ CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
THRO: Tabatha Miller, Finance Director
PREPARER: Tabatha Miller, Finance Director
DATE: April 08, 2024
TITLE: Potential Allocation o’ Remaining City Council Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24
Community Support Funds.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that th’ Council review th’ remaining community support funds budgeted fir FY
2023-24 an’ consider use or allocation o’ those funds prior tae th’ end o’ th’ fiscal year on June 30,
2024.
INTRODUCTION:
Included in th’ FY 2023-24 Adopted Buget fir City Council was $45,000 fir Community Support
Payments. Additionally, $20,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds was appropriated fir
Community Support Payments. Th’ purpose o’ this agenda item is tae lat th’ City Council tae
consider projects, programs or events that it would like support wi’ th’ remaining $62,000, prior tae
th’ end o’ th’ fiscal year––June 30, 2024.
BACKGROUND:
Prior tae an’ durin’ development o’ th’ FY 2023-24 Buget, th’ City Council discussed havin’ a
wee bit o’ funding that could be used throughout th’ buget year tae support or address
programs, events or wee bit projects that were no’ included in th’ original buget process. As a result,
$45,000 was included in th’ City Council’s Department Buget tae alloo requests or unforeseen
needs tae be addressed throughout th’ year.
On December 6, 2023, th’ City Council approved a $3,000 request frae th’ Humboldt Community
Emergency Response Team Coalition fir partial funding tae sponsor CERT traaining wi’ a priority
fir City o’ Arcata citizens an’ community members. Less th’ $3,000 CERT sponsorship, $42,000
remains in th’ City Council’s buget. Additionally, th’ City Council set aside $35,000 o’ American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in FY 2022-23 fir Other Support Payments that went unspent. O’
th’ $35,000, $20,000 was carried forward an’ re-bugeted in FY 2023-24. As o’ writin’ this staff
report - $20,000 in ARPA funds remains available.
Th’ Council may choose tae allocate these funds ($62,000) during th’ last quarter o’ th’ FY 2023-24
tae projects an’ programs that th’ Council identifies as City priorities.
DISCUSSION:
Any unspent funds as o’ June 30, 2024, will be unappropriated an’ potentially remain available fur
buget allocation in FY 2024-25 or a future year. It is important tae note that baith th’ ARPA Other
Support Payments an’ th’ City Council Community Support Payments were considered yin-time
funding an’ no’ necessarily intended tae support ongoing projects or endeavors.
The City Council may decide tae allocate specific funding durin’ this agenda item, roll all or a
portion o’ th’ unspent funds forward tae th’ FY 2024-25 buget, or allow all or a portion o’ th’
appropriations tae lapse at year end an’ return tae th’ unappropriated fund balance.
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT:
Unless th’ Council increases or decreases th’ amount o’ funds budgeted fur Community
Support Payments in either th’ General Fund (Account:101-10-01-52108) or th’ ARPA Fund
(Account: 224-10-01-52108) there is nae budgetary impact frae Council decisions/direction tae
spend already budgeted funds. Budgeted funds that remain unspent at year end hae a
positive fiscal impact tae th’ City. Thae funds are unappropriated an’ become available tae
fund future programs or services.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Potential Community Project - Samoa an’ H (DOCX)
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
12. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
13. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS
14. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS
15. CLOSED SESSION
16. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS
17. ADJOURNMENT
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